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Theatre Reviews: The Hobbit – Zoot Theatre Company AND The Taming of the Shrew – Sinclair Community College

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The Hobbit

THE HOBBIT

Zoot Theatre Company, Dayton’s enchanting puppet/mask troupe, supplies a wonderfully inventive and imaginative production of “The Hobbit,” adapted by Patricia Gray from J.R.R. Tolkein’s novel and whimsically co-directed by D. Tristan Cupp and J. Gary Thompson at the Dayton Art Institute.

This humorous, inspiring road trip through Middle-earth, propelled by fine original music by Thompson and brief moments of eye-catching stagecraft recalling Julie Taymor (“The Lion King”), concerns an unlikely heroic homebody and a merry, opinionated band of 13 dwarves determined to defeat the evil dragon Smaug and retrieve great treasure. The fanciful material’s adventurous magnetism is bolstered by Cupp and Thompson’s decision to dress and conceal the cast in black, allowing the audience to view the story simply through the eyes of various puppets, superbly designed with meticulously distinctive character by Cupp.

Led by an effortlessly winning and sympathetic Darren Brown as the humble Bilbo Baggins, the uniformly strong ensemble features solid supporting work by an authoritatively comedic Jeff Sams as Gandalf, the delightfully gruff Natalie Houliston as Thorin and the terrifically animated Andrew Ian Adams as the simultaneously sly and frustrated Gollum. Eric Arntz, Lisa Bernheim, Michael Favors, Juliet Howard-Welch, Austin Smith, CJ Suchyta, Nicole Thompkins and Ria Villaver complete the cast. Andy Balmert’s evocative lighting, Cupp’s efficient set, Shirley P. Wasser’s skillful costumes and Jon Lamm’s firm sound execution are additional pluses.

“The Hobbit” continues through Oct. 14 in the NCR Renaissance Auditorium of the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 65 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $12-$18. For tickets or more information, visit ZootTheatreCompany.org.

 

Haley Penchoff and Isaac Hollister in The Taming of the Shrew (Photo by Patti Celek)

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” the comedic battle of the sexes between hot-tempered Katherina and cunningly indomitable Petruchio heightened with brutishness, feistiness, impudence and mistaken identity, receives an uneven treatment at Sinclair Community College.

Director Nelson Sheeley’s breezy pace and effective Elizabethan touches (attractively aided by scenic designer Terry Stump, costumer Kathleen Hotmer and music director John Parcell) cannot hide the interpretative inconsistencies within his cast, amiable performers lacking a cohesive grasp of the language, nuances and rhythm in the colorful script. Some actors connect with vibrant adeptness and refreshing wit (Charles Larkowsi in particular is the finest Baptista I have seen) while others hurriedly recite lines without meaning or depth. Instead of fine-tuning key performances, Sheely seems to have been more concerned with thrusting the show into an all-out farce. However, his attempts are more forced than inspired, especially when it comes to flatulence, urination and a bejeweled codpiece.

Still, compatible and commendable leading players Hayley Penchoff and Isaac Hollister establish a convincingly combative rapport that keeps the action engaging and entertaining. The cast also includes Aeriel Aniballi, Samantha Creech, William G.L. Courson, John Dunn, Jordan Duvall, Jordan Huber, Destre Inlow, Rick McClintic, Zach Mills, Lucas Plum, John Ray, Rebecca Sebree, Tray Shelton, Josh Smith and Alayna Spence.

“The Taming of the Shrew” concludes tonight at 8 p.m. at Sinclair Community College, Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Act One-Three: 65 minutes; Act Four-Five: 55 minutes. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit Sinclair.edu.

 

 

 

Coming up in Dayton Theatre: Oct. 5-14

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Happy October! Dayton is being treated to one of the nicest falls I can remember! But life’s not all about apple picking and corn mazes (side note;  I find corn mazes terrifying. Is that just me?), there’s also some really good theatre to be had in the next two weeks! Including one coming up later in the month to help get you into that “Halloween-y” spirit. What’s happening? Well I’m glad you asked!

Closing This Weekend!

The Taming of the Shrew

Sinclair Community College

The Skinny: The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, is the tale of a merchant’s two daughters. The younger, prettier, Bianca, cannot be married before her strong-willed sister, Katherina. Trickery ensues as a young adventurer from Verona decides to woo and win Katherina bringing new meaning to love, honor and obey.
The Dates: This show has three performances left: Thursday (Downtown Dayton Night) at 7 pm, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm.

Tickets: Ticketing and parking information can be found online here.

 

Dearly Departed

Troy Civic Theatre.

The Skinny: A companion piece, of sorts, to the well-loved Dearly Beloved, this southern-fried comedy utilizes the same cast of wacky characters, this time putting them against the sombre backdrop of a funeral.

The Dates: Performances are October 5th and 6th at 8 pm.

Tickets: Tickets can be reserved by calling 937.339.770o

 

Now Playing!

The Hobbit

Zoot Theatre Company

The Skinny: Dayton’s only puppet-and-mask theatre troupe takes on J.R.R. Tolkien’s tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is much like the rest of us: he would rather sit at home and avoid any kind of adventures. When the wizard Gandalf and his company of 13 dwarves make a surprise visit, Bilbo is dragged unwittingly into an adventure that includes goblin dodging, battles and dragon slaying. This masterpiece is brought to life as only Zoot can do with over 25 life-size puppets and 11 actors!

The Dates: The Hobbit runs 2 more weekends; Friday 10/5 – Sunday 10/14. Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm, Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. All performances are at the Dayton Art Institute in the beautiful Renaissance Theatre.

Tickets: Zoot’s website can lead you to ticketing information. Click here.

 

Opening This Weekend!

And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Skinny: Three sisters are each misshapen in a different way by a childhood without order or stability.  Anna is a science teacher convinced she’s contracted a life-threatening illness; Catherine, who has her own life issues, is the sister who cares for her, and Ceil, also in the business of education, has manipulated life often at the expense of the other two. From this twisted mix playwright Zindel has created an unexpected, delightful comedy.

The Dates: Reardon opens Friday, October 5th and runs 3 weekends to close on Sunday, October 21st. Fridays are at 8 pm. Saturday the 6th is at 8 pm, Saturday the 13th and 20th are at 5 pm and all Sundays are at 3 pm.

Tickets: Please visit the Dayton Theatre Guild website to reserve tickets, here.

Opening Next Weekend!

Dracula

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Dracula. Van Helsing. Rats. Bats. Stakes. It’s the classic vampire tale brought brilliantly to life on the Playhouse stage and guaranteed to give you goosebumps.

Dates: Dracula rises on October 12th and runs 2 weekends, closing Sunday October 21st.

Tickets: Please visit the Playhouse website for ticketing information, here.

 

That’s all for now, folks. Get out and enjoy some theatre…I can promise you, every night spent inside a theatre is 2 hours during which you won’t hear or see a single political ad! That’s reason enough, right there!

 

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Oct. 1-7

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…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

DEAD AND BURIED

Miami University

The Story: A new comedy about three very different people who form unikely bonds of friendship as they help each other face tough personal challenges.
The Dates: Oct. 3-7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Miami University | BTC page |

Megan Marshall as Hippolyta & Trey Wright as Nick Bottom.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

UC College-Conservatory of Music

The Story: A madcap misadventure in the complications and miscalculations of love and lust, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is the Bard at his comic best. Driven by the magic of the impish Puck and his band of fairies, young lovers, older lovers and even a group of rude tradesmen are caught in a whirlwind of misdirected passion.
The Dates: Oct. 3-7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC College-Conservatory of Music | BTC page |

THE SANDMAN

The Carnegie

The Story: Staged reading of a frightening musical comedy based on the macabre writings of E.T.A. Hoffmann (THE NUTCRACKER). When the family of an ingenious German clockmaker engages a new nanny to care for the children, a series of bizarre and unnatural events begins to unfold. As the Strauss family is thrust ever deeper into ch aos, the sinister forces at play are revealed – forces from which only the children may be able to save them.
The Dates: Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Carnegie | BTC page |

SEUSSICAL

Acting Up

The Story: Centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge–not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes “his kind and his powerful heart.” Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.
The Dates: Oct. 5-7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Acting Up | BTC page |

…OPENING THIS WEEK

DEATH DEFYING ACTS

Stagecrafters Inc.

The Story: This long-running Off Broadway hit features the work of three gifted playwrights. David Mamet’s AN INTERVIEW is an oblique, mystifying interrogation. A sleazy lawyer is forced to answer difficult questions and to admit the truth about his life and career. In HOTLINE by Elaine May, a neurotic woman with enough urban angst to fill a neighborhood calls a suicide crisis hotline late one night. The counselor who gets the call is overwhelmed – it is his first night on the job. In Woody Allen’s CENTRAL PARK WEST”, a well-to-do psychiatrist has just discovered that her best friend is having an affair with her husband. She has invited the friend over for a confrontation after getting thoroughly soused. Meanwhile, the husband is about to run off with a college student.
The Dates: Oct. 6-14, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters Inc. | BTC page |

SNOOPY THE MUSICAL

The Drama Workshop

The Story: This lighthearted, musical romp through the Peanuts canon features Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Woodstock, and, of course, Snoopy! A charming, warm-hearted musical, Snoopy! The Musical is full of humor and life lessons. The musical features scenes taken from memorable sequences right out of the beloved comic strip, ranging from The Great Pumpkin to the psychiatrist’s office. Perfect for the entire family!
The Dates: Oct. 5-21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Drama Workshop | BTC page |

…CONTINUING THIS WEEK

Daniel Beaty. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THROUGH THE NIGHT

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: This tour-de-force solo performance embodies the stories of six African-American men, ranging in age from 10 to 60, whose lives are intertwined in beautiful and unexpected ways during one life-changing evening. Dayton native Daniel Beaty’s signature style displays a dazzling blend of humor, poetry, music and drama that earned him Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations. Transcending race and gender, THROUGH THE NIGHT is a hard-hitting and inspirational story filled with possibility and promise.
The Dates: Sept. 22-Oct. 21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

…CLOSING THIS WEEK

THE LITTLE PRINCE

Thomas More College

The Story: Based on Antoine de Saint Exupery’s classic novella. Stranded in the Sahara desert, a world-weary aviator comes across a mysterious boy who speaks of the magic of the world around him. Captivating the pilot’s imagination through his adventures, the Little Prince coaxes the Aviator to see “what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
The Dates: Sept. 28-Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Thomas More College| BTC page |

THE PRODUCERS

Footlighters Inc.

The Story: New York, 1959. Max Bialystock was once the king of Broadway, but now all his shows close on opening night. Things turn around when he’s visited by the neurotic accountant Leo Bloom, who proposes a scheme tailor-made for producers who can only make flops: raise far more money than you need, then make sure the show is despised. No one will be interested in it, so you can pocket the surplus. To this end, they produce a musical called Springtime for Hitler and as opening night draws near, what can go wrong?
The Dates: Sept. 20-Oct. 6, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters Inc. | BTC page |

Abby Wagner as Essie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Northern Kentucky University

The Story: This Pulitzer Prize winning comedy celebrates non-conformity as a man from a family of rich snobs becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family. One dinner party and their families’ differences ignite! Will their love persevere, or will family ties pull them apart?
The Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC page |

…COMING SOON

BRIGHTON  BEACH MEMOIRS

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Dates: Oct. 13-Nov. 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre

The Dates: Oct. 11-14, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | BTC page |

KING O’ THE MOON

Sunset Players

The Dates: Oct. 12-27, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Sunset Players | BTC page |

Sara Clark as Juliet & Ian Bond as Romeo in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's ROMEO & JULIET.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

UC College-Conservatory of Music

The Dates: Oct. 11-13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC College-Conservatory of Music | BTC page |

MRS. MANNERLY

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The Dates: Oct. 10-28, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

ROMEO AND JULIET

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Dates: Oct. 12-Nov. 11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

The Miracle Worker Review – Wright State University – The Special Relationship

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Cyndii Johnson (l) and Kate Mueller in The Miracle Worker (Contributed photo)

Wright State University opens its 38th season with a wonderfully heartfelt production of William Gibson’s 1959 Tony Award-winning drama “The Miracle Worker,” the compelling account of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan set in Tuscumbia, Alabama and based on Keller’s 1903 autobiography “The Story of My Life.”

As the deaf, blind and mute Helen, Kate Mueller, a musical theater major, is an impressively expressive presence. With wide eyes and childlike wonder, Mueller, never resorting to off-kilter or exaggerated dramatics, beautifully grasps Helen’s yearning to communicate more fully through sign language while trapped by her own fussy stubbornness and the unhelpful sheltering of overly doting parents. She also makes the smallest revelations prodigious, particularly in Act 2 when Helen, inquisitively sensing competition, becomes jealous of her playmate Percy, adorably played by Julian Rojas.

Helen’s fascinating evolution, astutely guided by director Lee Merrill who doesn’t discount the strain and brokenness within the Keller household, is firmly molded by the commanding presence of Cyndii Johnson, an African-American, as the determined, unflinching and incredibly dedicated Annie, a true survivor in her own right scarred by the harrowing memories of living in a Massachusetts asylum with her brother. Johnson’s non-traditional casting doesn’t work in the play’s societal context, but her stringent, no-nonsense demeanor and occasionally curt attitude registers perfectly as Annie spins the Kellers into a slight frenzy, providing numerous moments of refreshing levity. Even so, it is the special relationship she shares with Mueller that provides the production’s riveting pulse. The volatile breakfast scene, an Act 1 highpoint skillfully aided by combat consultant Bruce Cromer, is a terrifically executed, meticulously paced fury of flying spoons, force-feeding, kicks and screams concluding with a folded napkin signaling victory and relief. More significant are the final iconic moments when Helen’s mastery of 18 nouns and three verbs culminates with her recognition of water, a truly tear-jerking epiphany superbly syncopated by Johnson, Mueller, Merrill and lighting designer Danielle Ferguson.

Additionally, Kelsey Andrae and Andrew Quiett are a solid team as Helen’s parents. Quiett especially creates a properly prickly rapport with Johnson as Captain Keller and Annie battle for authority over Helen. As Helen’s snippy stepbrother Jamie, Cameron Blankenship strikingly depicts the overlooked anger of living in Helen’s shadow while desiring more love, encouragement and support from his emotionally detached father. Kevin Blessing, DeLee Cooper, Tyler Edwards, Caroline Gruber, Amie Lea Heller, Xander Hildenbrandt, Anita Hill, Stephen Kell, Taylor Montgomery, Liz Romey, Tyler Tanner, Amy Wheeler and Renika Williams complete the strong cast attractively costumed by Mary Beth McLaughlin. Michael Amico’s expansive set, James Dunlap’s first-rate sound design and John Lavarnway’s properties are equally noteworthy aspects of this fine presentation.

“The Miracle Worker” continues through Sept. 30 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500.

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Sept. 24-30

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…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

JUST BEYOND REACH

Shark Eat Muffin Theatre Company

The Story: A creative and collaborative night of short plays. Various themes were suggested on the company Facebook page and one was drawn at random. That theme was JUST BEYOND REACH and it allowed three very different but local playwrights to let their creativity thrive. Two months later the writers have created three short scripts all based around the interpretation of that theme.
The Dates: Sept. 27-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Shark Eat Muffin Theatre Company | BTC page |

…OPENING THIS WEEK

THE LITTLE PRINCE

Thomas More College

The Story: Based on Antoine de Saint Exupery’s classic novella. Stranded in the Sahara desert, a world-weary aviator comes across a mysterious boy who speaks of the magic of the world around him. Captivating the pilot’s imagination through his adventures, the Little Prince coaxes the Aviator to see “what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
The Dates: Sept. 28-Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Thomas More College| BTC page |

Daniel Beaty.

THROUGH THE NIGHT

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: This tour-de-force solo performance embodies the stories of six African-American men, ranging in age from 10 to 60, whose lives are intertwined in beautiful and unexpected ways during one life-changing evening. Dayton native Daniel Beaty’s signature style displays a dazzling blend of humor, poetry, music and drama that earned him Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations. Transcending race and gender, THROUGH THE NIGHT is a hard-hitting and inspirational story filled with possibility and promise.
The Dates: Sept. 22-Oct. 21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Northern Kentucky University

The Story: This Pulitzer Prize winning comedy celebrates non-conformity as a man from a family of rich snobs becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family. One dinner party and their families’ differences ignite! Will their love persevere, or will family ties pull them apart?
The Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC page |

…CONTINUING THIS WEEK

THE PRODUCERS

Footlighters Inc.

The Story: New York, 1959. Max Bialystock was once the king of Broadway, but now all his shows close on opening night. Things turn around when he’s visited by the neurotic accountant Leo Bloom, who proposes a scheme tailor-made for producers who can only make flops: raise far more money than you need, then make sure the show is despised. No one will be interested in it, so you can pocket the surplus. To this end, they produce a musical called Springtime for Hitler and as opening night draws near, what can go wrong?
The Dates: Sept. 20-Oct. 6, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters Inc. | BTC page |

…CLOSING THIS WEEK

Torie Pate as Mae, Katie Hamilton-Meier as Maggie & Clifford Nunley as Brick. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: In a plantation house, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of its patriarch, Big Daddy. But the mood is tense, despite the festivities, as long-simmering evils poison the party. Greed, sins of the past and desperate clawing hopes for the future spar with one another as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.
The Dates: Sept. 6-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts | BTC page |

THE CURIOUS SAVAGE

Village Players

The Story: After inheriting $10 million, Mrs. Savage decides to establish a fund to help others realize their dreams. But her grown step-children have their own designs on the money and commit her to a sanatorium, hoping to “bring her to her senses.” There she meets various social misfits—just the kind of people she wants to help. A warm-hearted, uplifting comedy.
The Dates: Sept. 21-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Village Players | BTC page |

Helen Raymond as Marion, Owen Gunderman as Winthrop & Dan Doerger as Harold Hill. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

THE MUSIC MAN

Showboat Majestic

The Story: THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.
The Dates: Sept. 12-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showboat Majestic | BTC page |

Adam Van Wagoner as D’Artagnan and Shad Ramsey as Rochefort. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Young Frenchman D’Artagnan and his plucky sister Sabine aspire to join the famed Musketeers. But they get more than they bargained for when they stumble into the center of a bitter rivalry between King Louis and the evil Cardinal Richelieu. The stakes have never been higher for our favorite swashbucklers in this action-packed update of one of the greatest adventure stories of all time.
The Dates: Sept. 1-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

Alyssa Mehnert as Jean Louise Finch (Scout), Bruce Cromer as Atticus Finch, Noah Lentini as Jeremy Finch (Jem) & Torie Wiggins as Calpurnia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: In 1932 Alabama, Atticus Finch challenges the conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy. This story is a powerful portrait of a south poisoned by prejudice and the one man with the courage to fight against an injustice, but like the novel from which it comes, is filled with warmth and humor.
The Dates: Sept. 7-30. 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Fairfield Footlighters

The Story: A tense situation develops for Suzie Hendrix, who is blind, when a gang of criminals believe she has possession of a doll filled with drugs that they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it back.  But they soon find out Suzie is not an easy victim when she levels the playing field when darkness falls.
The Dates: Sept. 21-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC page |

…COMING SOON

DEAD AND BURIED

Miami University

The Dates: Oct. 3-7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Miami University | BTC page |

DEATH DEFYING ACTS

Stagecrafters Inc.

The Dates: Oct. 6-14, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters Inc. | BTC page |

Megan Marshall as Hippolyta & Trey Wright as Nick Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

UC College-Conservatory of Music

The Dates: Oct. 3-7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC College-Conservatory of Music | BTC page |

THE SANDMAN

The Carnegie

The Dates: Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Carnegie | BTC page |

SEUSSICAL

Acting Up

The Dates: Oct. 5-7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Acting Up | BTC page |

SNOOPY THE MUSICAL

The Drama Workshop

The Dates: Oct. 5-21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Drama Workshop | BTC page |

Zoot Theatre Company Brings Some Tolkein To Dayton With “The Hobbit”

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The Zoot Theatre Company, Dayton’s only professional puppetry and mask company will produce J.R.R. Tolkein’s classic tale of THE HOBBIT in the Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium, Zoot’s new home. THE HOBBIT opens on Friday, September 28.  Join Zoot Theatre in Middle Earth, as we tell the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is much like the rest of us: he would rather sit at home and avoid any kind of adventures. When the wizard Gandalf and his company of 13 dwarves make a surprise visit, Bilbo is dragged unwittingly into an adventure that includes goblin dodging, battles and dragon slaying. This is J. R. R. Tolkien’s masterpiece brought to life as only Zoot can do! THE HOBBIT will feature more than 25 life-size puppets and 11 live actors. It is being directed by resident artist, J. Gary Thompson and Zoot’s Artistic Director, D. Tristan Cupp. Known for its creative and imaginative puppets and masks used in each show, Zoot fulfills its Mission by blending the visual and performing arts into a single medium. Dozens of local artists have been working day and night under the guidance of Zoot’s Artistic Director to bring the hobbit, dwarves, goblins, Gandalf the wizard, and the dragon to life as stunning, life-sized puppets that are sure to amaze people of all ages.

THE HOBBIT opens on Friday, September 28 and runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, October 14. Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.  All performances are held at the Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.zoottheatrecompany.org and over the phone by calling 937.223.5277. Both single performance tickets and subscriptions are available. Groups of 10 or more can receive a special discount by calling 937.512.0140.  Tickets prices for THE HOBBIT and the 2012-13 Zoot MainStage Season are: $18.00 for adults; $15.00 for seniors; $15.00 for students with a valid ID; and $12.00 for children 12 and under.

For more information, please visit www.zoottheatrecompany.org or call the Zoot Offices at 937.512.0140.

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS to give away to see The Hobbit by The Zoot Theatre Company – simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment saying that YOU want to win tickets to see Zoot Theatre’s “The Hobbit” from Dayton Most Metro.  We’ll draw a random winner on Wednesday 9/26/2012 after 4pm – GOOD LUCK!

[form 44 “Contest Entry – The Hobbit”]

Dayton Playhouse Presents “Dracula”

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(left) Alex Carmichal, Dracula, and Jared Mola, Renfield, rehearsing for the Dayton Playhouse production of Dracula

The Dayton Playhouse will present Dracula, October 12-21.  This version of the well-known play was adapted by William McNulty, originally dramatized by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s novel.

The action of the play engulfs the audience as Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the evil Count Dracula.  However, the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength and psychic powers to confound his antagonists.  The action culminates in a shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him.

David Shough, director of this production, and Jennifer Lockwood, assistant director, have assembled a seasoned cast including: Alex Carmichal as Count Dracula, Jared Mola as Renfield, Sara Parsons as Lucy, and Saul Caplan as Van Helsing.   Rounding out the cast are Margaret Foley, Matthew Glenn, David Hallowren, Carolyn Anne Hoogsteden, Matthew Lindsay, Heather Martin, Cari Meixner, Debra Strauss, David Thomas and Addison Paige Wheeler, Shough has incorporated many audio visual effects to heighten the drama.  According to Shough, “This is an intense and faced-paced version of the Dracula legend.  It will be a complete theatrical experience of the typoe seldom seen on this stage.  Not for the faint of heart.”

Projections for the opening narrative of this production were designed by Miamisburg artist, Chris Newman.  Some of the original pen and ink drawings will be raffled off in the lobby during the run of the play.  Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Dayton Playhouse Celebrate 25 capital campaign.  Tickets for the raffle will be $2 each, or three for $5.

Performances of Dracula will be Friday through Sunday, October 12-21.  All performances are at 8:00 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 2:00 p.m.  (see full schedule here)  Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.daytonplayhouse.org, or through the box office, 937-424-8477.  The box office is staffed Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 2-5 p.m., however messages may be left at any time.  The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Sept. 17-23

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…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

THE CHRONICLE

Know Theatre Cincinnati’s Fall Fringe Festival

The Story: Lives deconstructed. Because we care. OTRimprov is proud to once again present their flagship production. Inspired by one of the most popular shows to emerge from the Chicago improv scene, THE CHRONICLE is OTRimprov’s take on the Armando Diaz Experience, where a special guest shares personal stories that weave into scenes inspired by the monologues. OTRi will once again tap Fringe artists as their storytellers for this encore production where we do whatever the hell we want with other people’s lives. 
The Dates: Sept. 19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

OCCUPY THIS!

Know Theatre Cincinnati’s Fall Fringe Festival

The Story: Comedic Storyteller “Reverend Nuge” went to Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Detroit just to carry funny signs.  But a funny thing happened on the way to the Revolution – he started to believe in it.  The next thing you know he’s camping with crack addicts, marching with anarchists, burying a friend and writing this show.
The Dates: Sept. 20 & 22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

ON HER PILLOW

Know Theatre Cincinnati’s Fall Fringe Festival

The Story: In 1977 it was cool to be a multi-racial family if you lived in San Francisco, or New York…but we lived in Addyston, Oh. Not cool…and NOT O.K. Then my parents gave me the name Honour Pillow because I wasn’t going to stand out enough as the only curly headed, biracial giant at my school. Now I was a curly headed, biracial giant named Honour Pillow. Geesh. No ordinary life could follow this beginning. I would become a Model in New York, a Comedienne in Chicago, and a Cancer Patient in Las Vegas. Being biracial was the least of my worries.
The Dates: Sept. 19 & 21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

THE SCREW YOU REVUE

Know Theatre Cincinnati’s Fall Fringe Festival

The Story: Wayburn Sassy is an 89 year old self-proclaimed “Entertainment Legend” and America’s Favorite Bigot. Wayburn fears Blacks, Jews, Hispanics, Japanese, Arabs, Islanders, the Taiwanese, bongo players, men in kilts, and above ALL he fears ” Whimsicals” (Wayburn’s word for Gay Men). Wayburn has the excellent fortune of sharing the stage with his “Amorous Amazon,” his “Leggy Lolita,” his “Girl-with-the-Gorgeous-Gams,” Miss Didi Panache. Didi loves everyone, but she loves Wayburn best. Together, this irreverent twosome transport the audience to a place where no subject is taboo and everyone takes part in the joke.
The Dates: Sept. 21 & 22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

UNFRINGED

Know Theatre Cincinnati’s Fall Fringe Festival

The Story: Kevin J Thornton (Sex, Dreams & Self Control 2009, I Love You We’re F*#ked 2011, Strange Dreamz 2012) returns with “Kevin J Thornton: UNFRINGED.” Expect his signature mix of comedic storytelling and original music, but this time with a twist. The entire hour is completely unscripted and spontaneous! He knows he’s probably going to talk about the time he worked on a cruise ship in South America and then play you the joke ideas he records into his phone in the middle of the night when he’s super stoned, but that’s about it. One thing is certain, this will be never before heard material. Could be thrilling. Could be moderately thrilling. Could be something else entirely.
The Dates: Sept. 20 & 22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

…OPENING THIS WEEK

THE CURIOUS SAVAGE

Village Players

The Story: After inheriting $10 million, Mrs. Savage decides to establish a fund to help others realize their dreams. But her grown step-children have their own designs on the money and commit her to a sanatorium, hoping to “bring her to her senses.” There she meets various social misfits—just the kind of people she wants to help. A warm-hearted, uplifting comedy.
The Dates: Sept. 21-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Village Players | BTC page |

THE PRODUCERS

Footlighters Inc.

The Story: New York, 1959. Max Bialystock was once the king of Broadway, but now all his shows close on opening night. Things turn around when he’s visited by the neurotic accountant Leo Bloom, who proposes a scheme tailor-made for producers who can only make flops: raise far more money than you need, then make sure the show is despised. No one will be interested in it, so you can pocket the surplus. To this end, they produce a musical called Springtime for Hitler and as opening night draws near, what can go wrong?
The Dates: Sept. 20-Oct. 6, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters Inc. | BTC page |

THROUGH THE NIGHT

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: This tour-de-force solo performance embodies the stories of six African-American men, ranging in age from 10 to 60, whose lives are intertwined in beautiful and unexpected ways during one life-changing evening. Dayton native Daniel Beaty’s signature style displays a dazzling blend of humor, poetry, music and drama that earned him Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations. Transcending race and gender, THROUGH THE NIGHT is a hard-hitting and inspirational story filled with possibility and promise.
The Dates: Sept. 22-Oct. 21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Fairfield Footlighters

The Story: A tense situation develops for Suzie Hendrix, who is blind, when a gang of criminals believe she has possession of a doll filled with drugs that they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it back.  But they soon find out Suzie is not an easy victim when she levels the playing field when darkness falls.
The Dates: Sept. 21-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC page |

…CONTINUING THIS WEEK

Torie Pate as Mae, Katie Hamilton-Meier as Maggie & Clifford Nunley as Brick. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: In a plantation house, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of its patriarch, Big Daddy. But the mood is tense, despite the festivities, as long-simmering evils poison the party. Greed, sins of the past and desperate clawing hopes for the future spar with one another as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.
The Dates: Sept. 6-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts | BTC page |

Helen Raymond as Marion, Owen Gunderman as Winthrop & Dan Doerger as Harold Hill. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

THE MUSIC MAN

Showboat Majestic

The Story: THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.
The Dates: Sept. 12-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showboat Majestic | BTC page |

Adam Van Wagoner as D’Artagnan and Shad Ramsey as Rochefort. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Young Frenchman D’Artagnan and his plucky sister Sabine aspire to join the famed Musketeers. But they get more than they bargained for when they stumble into the center of a bitter rivalry between King Louis and the evil Cardinal Richelieu. The stakes have never been higher for our favorite swashbucklers in this action-packed update of one of the greatest adventure stories of all time.
The Dates: Sept. 1-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

Alyssa Mehnert as Jean Louise Finch (Scout), Bruce Cromer as Atticus Finch, Noah Lentini as Jeremy Finch (Jem) & Torie Wiggins as Calpurnia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: In 1932 Alabama, Atticus Finch challenges the conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy. This story is a powerful portrait of a south poisoned by prejudice and the one man with the courage to fight against an injustice, but like the novel from which it comes, is filled with warmth and humor.
The Dates: Sept. 7-30. 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

…CLOSING THIS WEEK

CLOSER THAN EVER

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Story: As with their earlier revue, each song in CLOSER THAN EVER is a story: an intimate, insightful tale about couples and unrequited love. Included are several songs that were cut from the acclaimed BABY. Love, security, happiness-and holding onto them in a world that pulls you in a hundred directions at once. Maltby and Shire bring their celebrated craft and contemporary sensibility to songs about aging, mid-life crisis, second marriages, and role reversals.
The Dates: Sept. 13-22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC page |

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY

Mariemont Players

The Story: Bingham, president of the Quail Valley Country Club, discovers that the golfer he thought would play for his club has switched sides, and the huge bet he had foolishly wagered will likely to be lost. You’ll never look at golf the same way again as this fast-moving farce twists and turns from one laugh surprise to another.
The Dates: Sept. 7-23, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players | BTC page |

Annie Fitzpatrick as Margie, Margaret Ivey as Kate & Chris Clavelli as Mike. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

GOOD PEOPLE

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The Story: In this humor laced drama, Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) explores the struggles, shifting loyalties and unshakeable hopes that come with having next to nothing in America. Margie Walsh can’t catch a break. Laid off from her job at the dollar store, Margie is faced with the reality that South Boston is providing her the same level of opportunity it always has: none. Wry, rough around the edges and ready to make a change, she goes to seek out the one who got away—both from “Southie” and from her. Instead, she finds herself in the ‘burbs and out of her element, facing the question: is opportunity granted or earned? Good People takes an affectionate look at the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ through the eyes of characters who won’t be ignored.
The Dates: Sept. 5-23, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

…COMING SOON

JUST BEYOND REACH

Shark Eat Muffin Theatre Company

The Dates: Sept. 27-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Shark Eat Muffin Theatre Company | BTC page |

THE LITTLE PRINCE

Thomas More College

The Dates: Sept. 28-Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Thomas More College| BTC page |

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Northern Kentucky University

The Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 7, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC page |

CPAM Presents “Annie – The Musical” at the Baum Opera House

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Leapin’ Lizards!!!  Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg is proud to present Annie the Musical – one of the world’s best-loved musicals!  With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan ANNIE charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, ANNIE escapes to the wondrous and magical world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, ANNIE finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Annie will be performed by a cast of multiple youth performers from grades 4-12 at the Baum Opera House located at 15 S. First Street in Miamisburg. The show opens on September 21 – click here for full show schedule.

 

CPAM Cast in "Annie - The Musical"

Tickets are on sale now for all six performances on the website at: http://www.cpamburg.com. General admission seats are $13 each. Reserved seats are $15 each. The box office will be open for day of performance ticket purchases as well.

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Give-away

We have three pairs of tickets to give away to see the Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg presentation of Annie – The Musical!  Simply this article, then fill out the form below and leave a comment telling us you want to see this show.  We’ll announce winners on Wednesday September 19th after 4pm.  GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners!

Kate Feldmann
Melissa Groveman
Heather Merz

[yframe url=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edN5L8qrZWI]

Dayton Talent in Columbus: Short North Stage’s “Cabaret”

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The season opener at Short North Stage will see the main stage of the Garden Theater in Columbus transformed into the infamous 1930s Kit Kat Klub in Berlin, and will feature one of the great Broadway scores by John Kander and Fred Ebb as Short North Stage presents the erotic updated 1998 revival version of Cabaret, which starred Alan Cumming and Natasha Richardson and ran for six years on Broadway.

This racier and more decadent version of the well-known musical presents an accurate portrayal of pre-WWII Berlin which was known as a “sin city”.  The Twenties saw a dramatic loosening of social inhibitions, and attitudes toward diverse sexual behavior became much more tolerated.  Hundreds of nightclubs flourished, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Hyperinflation led people to spend on intoxicating pleasures of the moment rather than save money that would be worth much less in week, if not a day.

In an interesting local Columbus connection to the Berlin scene, Actress Louise Brooks, whose portrait was etched onto a back wall of the Garden Theater stage in 1924, was one of the many foreigners who made their way to Berlin, where she became an international star after she appeared in the 1929 movie Pandora’s Box. In that film she epitomized a Berlin siren—a seductress named Lulu, whose uninhibited sexuality brought ruin to her and others she touched.

JJ Parkey as The Emcee (photo credit: Gary White)

The Joel Gray interpretation of the Emcee was shattered by Alan Cumming’s eroticized version in the 1998 Broadway revival.    Although the 1972 film version of the musical, starring Liza Minelli, made Sally Bowles the central character, the Emcee is the pivotal force in the stage production.

Dayton native JJ Parkey plays the EMCEE in this production of Cabaret.  He earned his degree in musical theater at Wright State University and currently resides in New York.  JJ says he hopes to “honor both of the iconic performances of Joel Grey and Alan Cumming while incorporating my own take on the character.   The Emcee is not a stagnant character that needs to be presented in one way, but rather an ever-changing creature that adapts to the story with each new production and each new director.”

Cate Owens as Rosie, Kaitlin Descutner as Sally Bowles, and Adrianne K as Texas (photo credit: Gary White)

Directing the production is New York based Dayton native, Scott Hunt.  He notes, “The challenge inherent in presenting Cabaret is to immerse the audience in the world of the Kit Kat Klub; to make them feel as if they are participants in the action of the play. Luckily, The Garden Theatre does much of the work for us.  How blessed to present a piece about the most important moment of the 20th Century in a building with so much history of its own.”  One way the company is immersing the audience in the action is by offering a chance to be part of the production “up close and personal” with VIP Ticket holders sitting at tables on the stage of The Garden Theater.

As an actor, Scott Hunt has appeared on Broadway and in the National Touring Productions of Les Miserables  (Marius), and Rent (Mark Cohen), as well as numerous regional theaters.  As a director, Scott recently staged Rent for Wright State University in Dayton. Like JJ, he is a Dayton native who currently resides in New York City. Scott is a resident artist with The Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton.

Rounding out the Dayton representation in Short North Stage’s Cabaret is Chris Shea.  Chris graduated from Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and formed Free Shakespeare! – a professional, not-for-profit theatre company in Dayton devoted to presenting complimentary performances of the works of William Shakespeare.

Tickets

Tickets are $30 or $40 for VIP Tickets.  VIP Tickets are sold out for opening night, September 21st.   All performances on the Main Stage at The Garden Theater, located at 1187 N High Street, Columbus, Ohio.   Visit www.shortnorthstage.org for tickets and information, or call 614-725-4042.  A preview performance will be held at 8:00 pm on Thursday September 20, and then runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm through October 5.

Coming up in Dayton Theatre: September 14th – 30th

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Before I get started, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for their continued support and readership of On Stage Dayton and Dayton Most Metro. Please be sure to link and share any content you like. Additionally, please make sure that you’re suggesting to your friends that they “like” both Dayton Most Metro and On Stage Dayton so that they, too, can get updates and information. Alright, earnest plea for free promotion out of the way! On to the business at hand!

Closing This Weekend

Musical Chairs

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: BCT’s season opener is an ensemble piece about an audience watching the most reason offering by a struggling playwright who is, lets just say, not having the best night.

The Dates: Musical Chairs closes this weekend, on Sunday the 16th

Tickets: Tickets are available online at www.bctheatre.org

Opus

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Skinny: DTG’s season opener about a world-class male string quartet, and their controversial decision to bring on a female member, closes this weekend.

DTG Podcast of Opus

The Dates:Opus has its last 3 performances this weekend. Bear in mind, Guild 2nd and 3rd Saturdays are always at 5:00 pm. Sunday matinees are 3:00 pm.

Tickets: Ticket reservation and purchases can be made online at www.daytontheatreguild.org

Noises Off

Brookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: This delightful “backstage” farce is a perennial favorite among actors and audience members alike. It takes place during the stressful rehearsal and disastrous road-tour of a production of the fictional comedy “Nothing On.”

The Dates:  Noises Off concludes its run this weekend, on September 16th.

Tickets: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling the Brookville Flower Shop at 937.833.3531

 

 

 

 

Side By Side By Sondheim

 

 

 

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: This 1977 Tony Award-winning musical is a revue of songs written by the patron saint of American Musical Theatre, Stephen Sondheim.

The Dates: Side By Side closes Sunday September 16th.

Tickets: Tickets are available online at www.daytonplayhouse.com

Opening This Weekend!

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Town Hall Theatre

The Skinny: After she strikes a terrible bargain with the evil sea-witch, Ursula, Ariel must convince the handsome Prince Eric that she is the girl with the enchanting voice who rescued him.

The Dates: The Little Mermaid opens September 14th and 2 weekends, to close September 30th.

Tickets: Tickets are available online,  here.

Continuing!

 

 

Managing Maxine

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: The Human Race opens its season with this new comedy about silver-aged love and late-life sexiness.

The Dates: Managing Maxine  runs through September 23rd.

Tickets: All information can be found at the Human Race website, www.humanracetheatre.org

 

 

Coming Soon!

The Taming of the Shrew

Sinclair Community College

The Skinny:  This classic is the tale of a merchant’s two daughters. The younger, prettier, Bianca, cannot be married before her strong-willed sister, Katherina. Trickery ensues as a young adventurer from Verona decides to woo and win Katherina bringing new meaning to love, honor and obey.

The Dates:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 28th – 30th are at the typical 8 pm, 8 pm and 2 pm times. Then there is a performance Wednesday, October 3rd at 10:00 am. This slot is typically for school audiences but open to the public as well. There is also a performance on  Thursday, October 4th at 7:00 pm. Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th are both at 8 pm.

Tickets: Sinclair’s box office can be reached online here: Sinclair Box Office.

The Hobbit

Zoot Theate Company

The Skinny: Dayton’s only puppet theatre company returns, this time with their take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved (or should we say “precious”?)  “The Hobbit.” All performances will be at the NCR auditorium at the Dayton Art Institute.

Dates: The halflings, wizards and dwarfs will premier on September 28th and run weekends through October 4th.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Art Institute website: here.

 Auditions

Scrooge

The Dayton Playhouse

Dayton Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical Scrooge at 7:00 PM, September 24 and 25 in the lobby at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.

Please prepare 32 bars of a standard musical theater piece, or a verse of your favorite Christmas Carol; an accompanist will be provided.

Be prepared to do cold readings and to provide information about dance experience. There will be no general dance audition. In addition to the many roles available, the director is looking for a male tap dancer/singer to play Tom Jenkins.

Performances will be November 30 – December 16.

For additional information contact director Craig Smith at [email protected].

 

 

Managing Maxine Review – Human Race Theatre Company – Falling in Love Again

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Jana Robbins and Steve Vinovich in "Managing Maxine" (Photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

Janece Shaffer has created one of the most fascinating females to grace a new play.

In Shaffer’s cute, funny, touching and refreshingly adult comedy “Managing Maxine,” receiving a wonderful Midwest premiere deftly directed by Marya Spring Cordes and attractively designed by Tamara L. Honesty for the Human Race Theatre Company, writer/professor Maxine Levine, newly 70, desires to love again. However, her mission is rather complicated, which is typical of romance whether teenage or septuagenarian. Since Maxine hasn’t dated since the Kennedy Administration and suffers from a Blanche DuBois aversion to natural light, her courage and self-esteem has understandably depleted. But despite the idiosyncrasies within her brash, loveable, stern and endearing temperament, she meets her white knight in the form of the exciting yet practical retired judge Arthur Rinzler. Maxine and Arthur’s relationship naturally blossoms with the potential for marriage, but questions and expectations regarding their respective children/families emerge to chip away at their bond. More importantly, Arthur is reticent to evolve and loosen the feelings he still has for his late wife, a concern deeply testing the couple.

Shaffer, boldly showcasing geriatric bedroom naughtiness with blush-worthy verve (“I think I need to take a breath mint to my upper thigh”), relies heavily on asides, which has a tendency to diminish narrative appeal as scenes progress. Still, her three-dimensional Maxine is superbly realized by New York-based actress and Tony nominated producer Jana Robbins (“Ragtime”). Robbins, who possesses a Linda Lavin quality and left an indelible impression as the tipsy titular character of the Human Race’s 2011 production of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” has been associated with “Maxine” since the play’s 2009 world premiere at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre. From the inviting first scene, which finds Maxine nervously giddy about her first date with Arthur, it’s apparent how tailor-made the role is for her and how exceptionally she executes the emotional highs and lows, particularly becoming heartbreaking late in Act 2 when Maxine strips down in an honest moment of traumatizing self-examination. She’s also a first-rate comedienne who understands the importance of keeping Maxine’s humor level-headed instead of teetering into the cartoonish, over-the-top realm.

Steve Vinovich, whose extensive stage and screen credits includes Jerry Herman’s ill-fated but tunefully rich 1979 musical “The Grand Tour” and the films “The Santa Clause” and “Awakenings,” is simply terrific as Arthur. Genially seductive and totally charming, Vinovich keeps his innate chemistry with Robbins at fever pitch. He also establishes a warmly sincere and protective rapport with Michelle Zimmerman, who makes a fine return to the Human Race as Arthur’s disapproving, icy daughter Ivy.

Additionally, Debra Whitfield and Tim Lile are excellent as Maxine’s fussy daughter Emmie and discontented son-in-law Larry trying to rekindle their loveless marriage, a relatable subplot that evolves with potency and never feels inconsequential. “Try to remember what it was like in the beginning” is not only sound advice intended for Emmie and Larry but for anyone who has ever said “I do.” Kay Bosse and Scott Stoney respectively provide great comic relief and brief yet striking moments of depth as Maxine’s amiable neighbor Joanne and Arthur’s earthy buddy Louis.

The Human Race has broadened its support of new plays this season and certainly found a gem in “Maxine,” which warmly suggests it’s never too late to love and be loved. By and large, this crowd-pleasing play seems bound for Broadway and could be another Tony nominated vehicle for Robbins.

“Managing Maxine” continues through Sept. 23 at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton (click here for full schedule). Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $19.50-$40. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit http://humanracetheatre.org

Side by Side by Sondheim Review – Dayton Playhouse – Good Times and Bum Times

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Shawn Hooks (l) and David Moyer rehearsing "Side by Side by Sondheim" (Contributed photo)

Two months ago at the Smith Center in Las Vegas I attended an incredibly informative forum featuring acclaimed lyricist/composer Stephen Sondheim, who boldly awakened the complex possibilities of adult musical theater storytelling throughout the 1970s.

Questioned by moderator Michael Kerker of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), a very humble, surprisingly candid Sondheim reflected on his groundbreaking legacy with a wide range of anecdotes, particularly shedding light on supervising the original cast recording of “West Side Story” in Leonard Bernstein’s absence, coping with Jule Styne’s peculiar approach to rewrites during their “Gyspy” collaboration, and enduring a rocky relationship with Richard Rodgers during their creation of 1965’s “Do I Hear a Waltz?,” which he admittedly agreed to do entirely out of obligation to his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II. In fact, Sondheim submitted humorous yet derisive lyrics for the bouncy Act 2 duet “We’re Gonna Be All Right” that were scrapped purely based on the disapproval of Rodgers’ wife. According to Sondheim, his lyrics “hit too close to home.”

Thankfully, you can hear “We’re Gonna Be All Right” as originally intended in the musical revue “Side by Side by Sondheim,” a special presentation opening the Dayton Playhouse’s 2012-13 season. Created in London in 1976 and transferring to Broadway a year later receiving five Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, “Side by Side” consists of nearly 30 songs and encompasses nearly 20 years of Sondheim’s repertoire from his early, aforementioned collaborations (writing only lyrics) to his definitive works such as “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Pacific Overtures.” “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Evening Primrose” and “The Seven-Per-Cent Solution,” three little known projects, are also included.

Director Brian Sharp, establishing a smooth fluidity, seamlessly expands, with assistance from musical director Ron Kindell, the original concept of three singers to six. Laura Bloomingdale, Carol Chatfield, Kathy Clark, Bonnie Dobbs, Shawn Hooks and David Moyer blend beautifully while embracing Sondheim’s tricky lyrical and rhythmic challenges with just a few stumbles along the way. The lyrically sublime Bloomingdale (supplying an absolutely lovely “I Remember” and a delectable “Ah, Paris”) and Clark (a back-to-back knockout with “Anyone Can Whistle” and “Send in the Clowns” in addition to “The Boy From”) are standouts, but Moyer’s heartfelt “Marry Me A Little,” Hooks’ personable “Could I Leave You?,” Chatfield’s heartbreaking “Losing My Mind,” and Dobbs’ operatic flourishes within the saucy “I Never Do Anything Twice” are certainly noteworthy.

However, in a startling move, Ned Sherrin’s original continuity/narration has been altered with references to Sondheim’s later works (such as “Into the Woods”) which have nothing to do with the revue’s framework. Saul Caplan is an enjoyably easygoing narrator, but his comments are oddly disjointing. Moreover, a bizarrely reprehensible moment arrives at the climax of Act 2. Dobbs delivers “I’m Still Here,” a powerful “Follies” anthem of survival pinpointing Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression among America’s social landscape, with new, contemporary lyrics referencing Botox, O.J. Simpson, George Bush and Barack Obama. Why the Playhouse would cheapen one of Sondheim’s most respected, beloved songs is a total mystery. It is simply one of the worst, most blatantly pointless artistic decisions the Playhouse has ever made.

Even so, considering the strengths of the vocalists and the fantastic piano accompaniment of Bryon Dobbs and Nancy Perrin, “Side by Side” remains a clear testament to Sondheim’s distinctive, alluring and timeless career.

“Side by Side by Sondheim” continues through Sept. 16 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $15-$17. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.com.

 

 

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Sept. 12-16

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…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

MACBETH

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: A story of temptation, ambition and seduction. At the start of the play, Macbeth is a good and heroic leader who has just won a great battle. Nevertheless, he fails to notice the triple enemy fighting for his heart and mind–the mysterious Weird Sisters, his wife, and his own desire for power and success. Macbeth begins his bloody rise to power, including the murder of the Scottish king, Duncan, and the guilt-ridden pathology of evil deeds generating still more evil deeds. Eventually, his friends and allies become aware of the evil breaking into his soul and fight to stop him.
The Dates: Sept. 12, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

…OPENING THIS WEEK

CLOSER THAN EVER

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Story: As with their earlier revue, each song in CLOSER THAN EVER is a story: an intimate, insightful tale about couples and unrequited love. Included are several songs that were cut from the acclaimed BABY. Love, security, happiness-and holding onto them in a world that pulls you in a hundred directions at once. Maltby and Shire bring their celebrated craft and contemporary sensibility to songs about aging, mid-life crisis, second marriages, and role reversals.
The Dates: Sept. 13-22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC page |

Helen Raymond as Marion, Owen Gunderman as Winthrop & Dan Doerger as Harold Hill. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

THE MUSIC MAN

Showboat Majestic

The Story: THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.
The Dates: Sept. 12-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showboat Majestic | BTC page |

…CONTINUING THIS WEEK

Torie Pate as Mae, Katie Hamilton-Meier as Maggie & Clifford Nunley as Brick. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: In a plantation house, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of its patriarch, Big Daddy. But the mood is tense, despite the festivities, as long-simmering evils poison the party. Greed, sins of the past and desperate clawing hopes for the future spar with one another as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.
The Dates: Sept. 6-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts | BTC page |

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY

Mariemont Players

The Story: Bingham, president of the Quail Valley Country Club, discovers that the golfer he thought would play for his club has switched sides, and the huge bet he had foolishly wagered will likely to be lost. You’ll never look at golf the same way again as this fast-moving farce twists and turns from one laugh surprise to another.
The Dates: Sept. 7-23, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players | BTC page |

Annie Fitzpatrick as Margie, Margaret Ivey as Kate & Chris Clavelli as Mike. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

GOOD PEOPLE

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The Story: In this humor laced drama, Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) explores the struggles, shifting loyalties and unshakeable hopes that come with having next to nothing in America. Margie Walsh can’t catch a break. Laid off from her job at the dollar store, Margie is faced with the reality that South Boston is providing her the same level of opportunity it always has: none. Wry, rough around the edges and ready to make a change, she goes to seek out the one who got away—both from “Southie” and from her. Instead, she finds herself in the ‘burbs and out of her element, facing the question: is opportunity granted or earned? Good People takes an affectionate look at the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ through the eyes of characters who won’t be ignored.
The Dates: Sept. 5-23, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

Adam Van Wagoner as D’Artagnan and Shad Ramsey as Rochefort. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Young Frenchman D’Artagnan and his plucky sister Sabine aspire to join the famed Musketeers. But they get more than they bargained for when they stumble into the center of a bitter rivalry between King Louis and the evil Cardinal Richelieu. The stakes have never been higher for our favorite swashbucklers in this action-packed update of one of the greatest adventure stories of all time.
The Dates: Sept. 1-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

Alyssa Mehnert as Jean Louise Finch (Scout), Bruce Cromer as Atticus Finch, Noah Lentini as Jeremy Finch (Jem) & Torie Wiggins as Calpurnia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: In 1932 Alabama, Atticus Finch challenges the conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy. This story is a powerful portrait of a south poisoned by prejudice and the one man with the courage to fight against an injustice, but like the novel from which it comes, is filled with warmth and humor.
The Dates: Sept. 7-30. 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

…CLOSING THIS WEEK

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: This three-act drama takes place on a single night in 1912 focusing on the prosperous middle-class Birling family, who live in a comfortable home in Brumley, “an industrial city in the north Midlands.” A man calling himself Inspector Goole arrives and questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton). He interrogates each family member and reveals that each has been responsible for the young woman’s exploitation, abandonment and social ruin, effectively leading to her death. 
The Dates: Sept. 7-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company | BTC page |

A SHORT STAY AT THE WHISPERING PINES

Xenia Area Community Theatre

The Story: Part comedy, part mystery, part confusion and all fun. The story centers around Whispering Pines, a boarding house run by two sisters. When a new face rolls into town, we meet the two sisters, one of whom believes herself to be a reincarnated American Indian, and a host of their boarders as they try to convince the newcomer to lengthen his stay.
The Dates: Sept. 7-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xenia Area Community Theatre | BTC page |

…COMING SOON

THE CURIOUS SAVAGE

Village Players

The Dates: Sept. 21-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Village Players | BTC page |

THE PRODUCERS

Footlighters Inc.

The Dates: Sept. 20-Oct. 6, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters Inc. | BTC page |

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Fairfield Footlighters

The Dates: Sept. 21-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC page |

THROUGH THE NIGHT

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Dates: Sept. 22-Oct. 21, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

Opus Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – How Do You Keep the Music Playing?

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The cast, as shown in(L to R): Franklin Johnson, Mary Mykytka, Matthew W. Smith, K.L. Storer and (standing) Michael Boyd in Opus (Contributed photo)

Backbiting, betrayal and Beethoven coalesce in Michael Hollinger’s wobbly 2006 drama “Opus,” the story of an acclaimed New York string quartet in crisis receiving a commendable local premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

Delicately directed and elegantly designed by Greg Smith, “Opus,” steeped in conflict encompassing gender, love and repertoire, particularly addresses the dangers of division when pride and ego seek to destroy. As the Lazara Quartet prepares for a high profile engagement at the White House, the troupe is suddenly sidetracked by the disappearance of its passionate yet deceptive and headstrong founder Dorian (an appropriately slick Michael Boyd). Attempting to pick up the pieces in a short amount of time, the sarcastic, high strung Elliot (a dynamic Matthew Smith), laidback Alan (Franklin Johnson, amiable as always) and rational Carl (a wonderfully grounded K.L. Storer) bring meekly ambitious violist Grace (appealing Guild newcomer Mary Mykytka) into the fold with great expectations that scar amid trivial volatility and emotional baggage.

Hollinger, a classically trained violinist, obviously has a fondness for the stringency of perfectionism and the sheer language of music. After all, some of the best moments in the play occur among the quartet’s rigorous rehearsals reflecting their quest to remain harmonious as musicians and friends. However, and in addition to a very choppy opening, he slices the potency of the action with an implausible, heavy-handed climax that finds the troupe too swift to forgive. He also inserts a series of underdeveloped flashbacks notably diminishing the intriguing romance between Dorian and Elliot, leaving Boyd and Smith to fill in the blanks with body language.

Nonetheless, this season opener is a fully engaging experience thanks to enjoyable cast. In fact, Smith, delivering one of his best performances, is completely immersed in Elliot’s deliciously persnickety persona whether succumbing to cat allergies or sharing his detest for symphony orchestras reveling in boom chick. As a whole the ensemble suitably mimics the poise and musicianship of classical instrumentalists thanks to coaching by former Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra violinist Karen Young.

In a surprising turn of events for the local theater scene and the Guild, Greg Smith, after living in Dayton for nearly 30 years, will soon relocate to Jackson, Tennessee. “Opus” is certainly an artistically satisfying farewell.

“Opus” continues through Sept. 9 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $11-$18. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.

 

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Sept. 3-9

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…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

THE TEMPEST

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: The rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero, has been stuck on an island for twelve years with his daughter, Miranda, because he was overthrown by his brother, Antonio, and the King of Naples, Alonso. Gonzalo, counselor to the King, sends them provisions in secret. Prospero is a magician, and he has the spirit Ariel as a servant as thanks for saving her. Also on the island is a deformed slave, Caliban, who at first was raised by Prospero until he tried to rape Miranda. When Prospero discovers that Antonio is on a ship nearby, he starts up a storm to cause the ship to sink. Antonio, Alonso, Gonzalo, and Alonso’s two brothers, Sebastian and Ferdinand, are stuck on the island, and Prospero starts to separate them. Caliban allies himself with Stephano and Trinculo, servants of Alonso, in an attempt to overthrow Prospero. Prospero gets Ferdinand and Miranda to fall in love, but he keeps Ferdinand as a servant to make their courting more difficult. Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso, but Ariel appears as a harpy to thwart them.
The Dates: Sept. 9, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

…OPENING THIS WEEK

Katie Hamilton Meyer as Maggie & Cliff Nunley as Brick in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: In a plantation house, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of its patriarch, Big Daddy. But the mood is tense, despite the festivities, as long-simmering evils poison the party. Greed, sins of the past and desperate clawing hopes for the future spar with one another as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.
The Dates: Sept. 6-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts | BTC page |

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY

Mariemont Players

The Story: Bingham, president of the Quail Valley Country Club, discovers that the golfer he thought would play for his club has switched sides, and the huge bet he had foolishly wagered will likely to be lost. You’ll never look at golf the same way again as this fast-moving farce twists and turns from one laugh surprise to another.
The Dates: Sept. 7-23, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players | BTC page |

Annie Fitzpatrick, Kate Wilford & Deb G. Girdler in GOOD PEOPLE. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

GOOD PEOPLE

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The Story: In this humor laced drama, Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) explores the struggles, shifting loyalties and unshakeable hopes that come with having next to nothing in America. Margie Walsh can’t catch a break. Laid off from her job at the dollar store, Margie is faced with the reality that South Boston is providing her the same level of opportunity it always has: none. Wry, rough around the edges and ready to make a change, she goes to seek out the one who got away—both from “Southie” and from her. Instead, she finds herself in the ‘burbs and out of her element, facing the question: is opportunity granted or earned? Good People takes an affectionate look at the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ through the eyes of characters who won’t be ignored.
The Dates: Sept. 5-23, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | BTC page |

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: This three-act drama takes place on a single night in 1912 focusing on the prosperous middle-class Birling family, who live in a comfortable home in Brumley, “an industrial city in the north Midlands.” A man calling himself Inspector Goole arrives and questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton). He interrogates each family member and reveals that each has been responsible for the young woman’s exploitation, abandonment and social ruin, effectively leading to her death. 
The Dates: Sept. 7-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company | BTC page |

A SHORT STAY AT THE WHISPERING PINES

Xenia Area Community Theatre

The Story: Part comedy, part mystery, part confusion and all fun. The story centers around Whispering Pines, a boarding house run by two sisters. When a new face rolls into town, we meet the two sisters, one of whom believes herself to be a reincarnated American Indian, and a host of their boarders as they try to convince the newcomer to lengthen his stay.
The Dates: Sept. 7-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xenia Area Community Theatre | BTC page |

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Young Frenchman D’Artagnan and his plucky sister Sabine aspire to join the famed Musketeers. But they get more than they bargained for when they stumble into the center of a bitter rivalry between King Louis and the evil Cardinal Richelieu. The stakes have never been higher for our favorite swashbucklers in this action-packed update of one of the greatest adventure stories of all time.
The Dates: Sept. 1-29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC page |

Bruce Cromer as Atticus Finch & Alyssa Mehnert as Jean Louise Finch asScout. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: In 1932 Alabama, Atticus Finch challenges the conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy. This story is a powerful portrait of a south poisoned by prejudice and the one man with the courage to fight against an injustice, but like the novel from which it comes, is filled with warmth and humor.
The Dates: Sept. 7-30. 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

…COMING SOON

1832

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative

The Dates: Sept. 11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | BTC page |

Helen Raymond as Marion, Owen Gunderman as Winthrop & Dan Doerger as Harold Hill. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

THE MUSIC MAN

Showboat Majestic

The Dates: Sept. 12-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showboat Majestic | BTC page |

CLOSER THAN EVER

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Dates: Sept. 13-22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC page |